The Baby Cricket Cranes’ dream of making it to the ICC U19 World Cup is fading fast after back-to-back defeats against East African rivals Tanzania and Kenya. With qualification now an uphill battle, Uganda is shifting focus to survival in the African U19 first division.
The campaign began on a disappointing note with a loss to Tanzania. After electing to field, Uganda started well with early wickets, but Tanzania’s middle order, led by Karim Kiseto (half-century) and Laksh Bakrania (60), built a solid total of 189. Uganda’s bowlers struggled to contain the late resistance, allowing Tanzania to post the highest score of the tournament.
In response, Uganda’s batting lineup faltered under pressure. Skipper Gerald Olipa’s early dismissal for 11 set the tone, and despite a determined 25-run stand from Devansh Patel, the team collapsed to 116 all out, falling 73 runs short.
Hoping for redemption against Kenya, Uganda’s woes continued. Winning the toss and opting to bat, the team faced a nightmare start. Kenyan bowler Neel Doshi delivered a devastating spell, taking a hat-trick in the fifth over. Uganda slumped to 8/6 before Peter Ocen (28) and Balidawa Ali (16) provided a brief fightback. However, Uganda was bowled out for just 69 runs in under 20 overs.
Kenya had little trouble in the chase, reaching 70/3 to seal a dominant seven-wicket win. With this loss, Uganda’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. Their next challenge is Sierra Leone on Tuesday, a must-win encounter if they are to remain in contention and avoid relegation.
